Kenya fuel protests turn deadly as four killed, hundreds arrested

Violence broke out across Kenya on Monday as nationwide demonstrations over rising fuel prices left at least four people dead and more than 30 injured, while hundreds were arrested during clashes between protesters and police.

The unrest coincided with a countrywide public transport strike that disrupted movement in major cities, including Nairobi and Mombasa, after transport unions demanded the government reverse recent fuel price increases.

Protests and transport strike disrupt cities

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said at least 348 people had been arrested during the demonstrations.

“We lost four Kenyans in today’s ⁠violence, which also ⁠saw more than 30 ⁠people injured,” Murkomen said during a televised press conference.

In Nairobi, roads leading into the city centre were largely deserted after police used tear gas against protesters who had blocked major routes with burning tyres and thrown stones, according to Al Jazeera.

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The transport strike severely affected daily life, with many commuters forced to walk long distances to work and school as bus services were disrupted in several towns.

Fuel hikes fuel public anger

The protests followed consecutive increases in retail fuel prices, with Kenya raising prices by as much as 23.5 per cent last week after a 24.2 per cent rise the previous month.

The higher transport and fuel costs have also pushed up food prices and the cost of basic goods, increasing financial pressure on households already struggling with the economy.

The demonstrations brought large parts of the city to a standstill, beginning with private bus operators who provide transport for hundreds of thousands of daily commuters, the outlet reported.

Government cites global oil market volatility

Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum defended the increase in fuel prices, saying the move came amid continuing instability in global oil markets linked to the war involving Iran.

Kenya, like many African countries dependent on fuel imports from the Gulf, has been affected by Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which roughly a fifth of global oil shipments usually pass.

Murkomen claimed that most parts of the country remained calm but accused “criminal elements” of exploiting the protests to target public and private property. He also alleged that the demonstrations had “been hijacked by political actors for political ends”.

Opposition and rights groups react

Opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto and his business allies of profiting from rising prices at the expense of ordinary citizens.

Human rights group Vocal Africa condemned the deaths during the protests.

It “strongly condemns the use of lethal force by law enforcement that has tragically claimed the lives of four citizens during fuel protests”, the group said on social media.

Kenya has witnessed increasingly violent protests in recent years, with demonstrations often centred on economic hardship, police conduct and government policies.

Last year, several people were killed during clashes involving police, vigilantes and young protesters demonstrating against issues including corruption, high taxes and police brutality.

In June 2024, rights groups said at least 60 people were killed after police opened fire on protesters opposing tax increases.